There’s a lot I could say about this blog, Red, but I’ll just leave it at…I’ve been there…I understand…and retirement can be mighty nice, once it arrives. Live your life in such a way (and I know you do) that you still have your mind and a reasonably fit body once your time is your own.

I know what you mean. I busted my hump for many years at my company. We call it “golden handcuffs” when you have enough time in that you can’t leave without losing that pension and the medical benefits. I am lucky enough to have worked my ass off (tons of overtime- hundreds of hours per year), that I could afford to retire this year at 62. They sure were shocked, and had to hire 3 people to replace me, a feat that I am quite proud of (and amused by). I’m busy now getting the home repairs and upgrades and auto fixing done. Then, it’s on to woodworking and coppersmithing and iron working for the rest of my life. On which, I expect to make more money (or at least have more fun) than I did at my previous job.

Medical field is the same thing Red: now I dig my coworkers and don’t get me wrong I really enjoy what I do. But when the surgeon I normally work with complains to me how much sending his 9 year old kid to private school costs him 50k a semester (and he knows darn well the kind of money me the staff makes) and our administrators’ picture on the website and company emails ALWAYS show him out playing golf with his other 7-8 figure salary buddies, I sorta loose interest in my desire to “please the company”. Our hospital is also a not-for-profit by definition yet is our companies 2nd highest money making hospital in the country and our states comparable wages are WAY below the national average for our positions. That being said, I do like what I do and a make a good living at it. It provides okay benefits (though you’d think the largest healthcare company in the US could do a little better) decent retirement and provides for family, it’s hard to complain too much, especially seeing where many of my patients find themselves in life.

But I hear ya: at just passed 30, retirements’ a LONG ways away, unless I win the lottery I never play. But I’ll live life the same everyday always looking forward to what waits around the bend.

-- Jake -- "Not only do we live among the stars, the stars live within us." - Neil Degrasse Tyson

Hi Red, I really liked the bit about not seeing yourself as a victim. I got laid off in March and +70 job applications later I’m still looking for work. Some days it would be really easy to feel pretty sorry for myself especially when I see my wife going to work and providing financially for the family. I’m home to raise our boys and try to remember that that is an important job too but it can be pretty discouraging. But you are very right about recognizing reality and making the best of it.

-- No craft is very far from the line beyond which is magic. -- Lord Dunsany

Yup, Red keep your mind and soul intact, been there done that. There is an old saying, All you half to please is the man in the mirror. If you do the best you can every day it is much easier to look in that mirror. I am retired very recently, from an all consuming job, but I made it. hang in there, and keep your head up.

-- Bob in Montana. Kindness is the Language the blind can see and deaf can hear. - Mark Twain

As was said, it’s not just you blue collar types. As I’ve said, I’ve got a job that’s sort of a mix between blue/white collar. I actually like my current job, as I think it suits me pretty well, and the benefits are pretty good. It took 2 not so good jobs before this, and probably a total of 6 months looking for work between the various jobs to get this one though. I can tell you though, if you’re salary, companies can often times abuse that fact as well since they don’t have to pay overtime. Once again, I’m lucky in that my current job doesn’t require it often. Other companies have a requirement of at least 5-10 hours over a normal 40 hour workweek, and generally expect more than that.

The plan is to do whatever I can to ensure I have the ability to retire early, whether I choose to or not. “F U” money as some people like to call it.

Work to live, don’t live to work.

-- The quality of one's woodworking is directly related to the amount of flannel worn.

I work in the medical field also. For this area, it’s one of the best jobs you can have. I have been here 34 years. Right now is the worst atmosphere for the employees that I have ever experienced. Zero appreciation apparently for the employees. Hope to be done in a couple years.

Great post. Too many beautiful things to be thankful for. If nothing else, life itself is worth loving.

I also worked for the Railroad – Maintenance of Way – The pick and shovel type of work….... I also know that smile because It is stuck on my face every time I head for the shop…..The higher the snow the bigger the smile.

-- To realize our true destiny, we must be guided not by a myth from our past, but by a vision of our future

Thanks for sharing another personal part of yourself, Red. I always knew you were a good man, and I wanted to pattern my ways after yours more!

Working as a Nurse can really suck the life out of you if you let it! Too many wrongful deaths seen up close. Too many nights and holidays away from family and friends. And, take care, or you may catch TB or AIDS from a client. No retirement plan except my own. Jeez.

Lucky for me, I found this website where other galoots are stuck in meaningless jobs, or with multiple family problems, and we ALL hang out together in the shop! The LJ Calendars are so important to me…as well as using hand made tools from you guys!

I spent THREE HOURS yesterday sharpening old 45 irons and trying to learn how to plane a tongue! The forth attempt was a success, and made my day! A silly tongue 12” long. But, it’s the little things that have meaning! And, friends and family!

“He who dies with the most toys, spent a lot of money on toys. He who dies content…well…can I say more?”